Wicked, UK Tour (2024) Review
Sarah O’Connor (Glinda) and Laura Pick (Elphaba). Photography by Matt Crockett.Written by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
When it comes to naming probably one of the most prominent musicals of our generation, it has to be Wicked right? The musical premiered on Broadway back in 2003, before arriving on UK soil 3 years later in 2006. Already 65 million people have been captivated by the fresh perspective on the Land of Oz and it continues to inspire theatregoers across the globe. Even if you haven’t seen the musical before, the Original Broadway Cast Recording has probably been played at least once in your lifetime. If you can’t get to see Wicked at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End, the show is currently embarking on a major UK Tour.
For some context for those people who haven’t undergone the spell of seeing this show yet, it is a musical based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” (which I desperately need to read before the movie release later this year - more on that later!), which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic story “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. We encounter the unlikely friendship between the green-skinned Elphaba, who would become the Wicked Witch of the West, and the popular Glinda the Good. Wicked is set against the backdrop of political unrest, discrimination, and moral ambiguity, with themes of acceptance identity, and the consequences of prejudice integrated into it. The storyline is captivating but what elevates this production is the memorable music by Stephen Schwartz, with songs like ‘Defying Gravity’, ‘Dancing Through Life’ and ‘Popular’ becoming staples in the musical theatre world.
The cast for this UK tour is extremely exciting, and if this isn’t the first time (or even if it is), I truly believe that there is a level of uniqueness that this show continues to deliver. As the complex and misunderstood Elphaba is Laura Pick. Elphaba’s journey is about embracing her uniqueness and the importance of friendship and love, Pick possesses a powerful performance throughout. Not a new face to the production itself, having starred in the West End production, the versatility and control that she has in her voice is showstopping, specifically her rendition of ‘Defying Gravity’ leaves the audience in awe. Perfectly complementing her in the role as Glinda the Good is Sarah O’Connor. O’Connor revolves with her character throughout the show, she immediately delivers the charisma and charm of Glinda, and her rendition of ‘Popular’ is hilarious and has a dose of individuality from other performances of this song I’ve seen in the past. The heartthrob of the show Fiyero, played by Carl Man, is a popular student at Shiz University. Along with the two leading ladies, Man’s character also undergoes significant development in this show. Man delivers a less arrogant approach to Fiyero and I enjoyed that a lot.
One of my favourite elements of Wicked is the choreography. With dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott, there is a beautiful fusion of contemporary, jazz and musical theatre styles that are important to the musical’s storytelling. ‘Dancing Through Life’ is a particularly good example of that. There wasn’t a toe, turn or arm extension out of place. As well as that you have this beautiful relationship between Eugene Lee’s scenic design, Kenneth Posner’s lighting design, Susan Hilferty’s costume design and Tony Meola’s sound design to deliver top-class production value, but without having to spend the extra money to see it in the West End.
Wicked is a must-see theatrical experience! Cemented in the history of musical theatre, this show continues to deliver exactly what audiences going to the theatre want. Thank Goodness it’s in Birmingham until 7 April, there’s plenty of time to see what this stunning musical has to offer.
Also don’t forget that 2024 also marks the release of the Wicked movie, pop 27 November in your diary!
Find out more about the UK tour of WICKED.
★★★★★
